Smulders will reprise her role as SHIELD agent Maria Hill, which she played in both feature films “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” and “The Avengers,” as well as the “SHIELD” pilot episode. She’ll return for next year’s “Avengers: Age of Ultron.”

Smulders’ episode will air during a sweeps period, which informs advertising prices, so ABC is probably hoping for a ratings boost. But if Tuesday’s “Captain America” crossover is any indication, the show is having a tough time translating movie success to the small screen. Tuesday’s episode ratings was a series low for “SHIELD.”